Author Topic: Starboard Airline Inflatable???  (Read 7371 times)

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« on: December 12, 2021, 12:37:47 PM »
I'm wondering if anyone has a Starboard Airline inflatable and can give me their impressions? Or even if you don't have one, but have either paddled one or seen one up close.

I've been interested in getting one for a while now, and just learned there is one available in the size I want (12' 6" x 27").

I live on a small lake and in the summer we get a fair bit of boat traffic. The water can get pretty choppy and confused in the late afternoon, so I was looking for an inflatable that would provide some stability and still be fun to paddle.

So any thoughts or impressions you have would be appreciated. Thanks.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Green Water Sports

  • Site Sponsor
  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 695
  • https://greenwatersports.com
    • View Profile
    • Green Water Sports - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2021, 04:37:26 PM »
I had the 14x28 for a while, or did you want experience specific to the 12’6”?
Julian
https://greenwatersports.com
Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
Red Paddle Co, Starboard, SIC Maui, Tahe, Naish, Fanatic, Accent Paddles, Onyx, FCS, Vamo

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2021, 08:45:26 PM »
Even though yours was a different size, I would still be curious to know what you thought of the board. Thanks.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

SupSimcoe

  • Rincon Status
  • ***
  • Posts: 107
    • View Profile
    • SimcoeSup
    • Email
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #3 on: December 13, 2021, 08:19:09 AM »
I tried a first generation 14*27 and found it good tracking and ok stability and the bouncing was better than a standard inflatable. I was on flat but it does not have a lot of rocker so I am not sure how it is in waves.

I purchased a Naish Maliko light 14*27 inflatable and it is lighter, faster to pump completely as I do not have to fit the cord and nose cone, packs smaller than the airline as the airline cannot be rolled as the standing area is too stiff and was half the cost brand new. On the Naish the bouncing is controlled very well by the carbon stringers and if you pump to max 20 lbs it is very stiff. The design is also better for chop and waves as it has a little nose rocker, rounded area on bottom of nose and a wider nose as well.

I have done paddles in 2 foot waves with a 30lb pack on the Naish board with no issues and done a 2-3 foot wave upwinder and downwinder unloaded with no issues as well.

Keep in mind my primary board is a 20 inch wide Starbaord Sprint so I may find a board more stable that others find tippy.
SUP Lake Simcoe
Clearwood VLZ 14*23 hollow wood- self-built
Starboard 2021 Sprint 14*19.75
Kenalu Mana 82
Quickblade UV 82 Carbon
SUP Reviews  http://simcoesup.blogspot.ca/

Green Water Sports

  • Site Sponsor
  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 695
  • https://greenwatersports.com
    • View Profile
    • Green Water Sports - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #4 on: December 13, 2021, 09:57:19 AM »
Even though yours was a different size, I would still be curious to know what you thought of the board. Thanks.

I thoroughly enjoyed paddling mine. With a more surf SUP background and with a variety of touring/all round boards, this was the first dedicated race board I'd had long term(more than a year), but I've had experience with various other race boards both hard and inflatable. Setting up was super easy, a little air to give some shape, add nose cone and airline cord and finish pumping. I was skeptical at first of the standing tray seeing as it really inconveniences your packing of the board, and if what it offered could outweigh that major pain. It did and I also learnt a new way to fold/roll the board to fit in a standard bag. Standing tray was a big win in my book.

The airline cord helps but is something you feel more than you can measure.

It's a race board so very flat in the nose and you can adjust the rocker a little but tightening or loosening and the airline cord. Looser give you more rocker but less stiffening of the board.

Starboard make a great board, I've had several over the years (well before I became a dealer) and the Airline is top notch.

For reference, I'm 190lbs and 6ft. I did not have any stability issues.

No 12'6" yet, but soon: https://greenwatersports.com/shop/starboard-inflatable-12-6-x-27-all-star
Julian
https://greenwatersports.com
Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
Red Paddle Co, Starboard, SIC Maui, Tahe, Naish, Fanatic, Accent Paddles, Onyx, FCS, Vamo

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2021, 10:56:41 AM »
I tried a first generation 14*27 and found it good tracking and ok stability and the bouncing was better than a standard inflatable. I was on flat but it does not have a lot of rocker so I am not sure how it is in waves.

I purchased a Naish Maliko light 14*27 inflatable and it is lighter, faster to pump completely as I do not have to fit the cord and nose cone, packs smaller than the airline as the airline cannot be rolled as the standing area is too stiff and was half the cost brand new. On the Naish the bouncing is controlled very well by the carbon stringers and if you pump to max 20 lbs it is very stiff. The design is also better for chop and waves as it has a little nose rocker, rounded area on bottom of nose and a wider nose as well.

I have done paddles in 2 foot waves with a 30lb pack on the Naish board with no issues and done a 2-3 foot wave upwinder and downwinder unloaded with no issues as well.

Keep in mind my primary board is a 20 inch wide Starbaord Sprint so I may find a board more stable that others find tippy.

Thanks for this. I thought about the Naish, as it does look like a nice inflatable, but I need a 12' 6" and I believe it only comes in 14', so that's not an option for me. Thanks for taking the time to respond though.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #6 on: December 13, 2021, 10:59:30 AM »
Even though yours was a different size, I would still be curious to know what you thought of the board. Thanks.

I thoroughly enjoyed paddling mine. With a more surf SUP background and with a variety of touring/all round boards, this was the first dedicated race board I'd had long term(more than a year), but I've had experience with various other race boards both hard and inflatable. Setting up was super easy, a little air to give some shape, add nose cone and airline cord and finish pumping. I was skeptical at first of the standing tray seeing as it really inconveniences your packing of the board, and if what it offered could outweigh that major pain. It did and I also learnt a new way to fold/roll the board to fit in a standard bag. Standing tray was a big win in my book.

The airline cord helps but is something you feel more than you can measure.

It's a race board so very flat in the nose and you can adjust the rocker a little but tightening or loosening and the airline cord. Looser give you more rocker but less stiffening of the board.

Starboard make a great board, I've had several over the years (well before I became a dealer) and the Airline is top notch.

For reference, I'm 190lbs and 6ft. I did not have any stability issues.

No 12'6" yet, but soon: https://greenwatersports.com/shop/starboard-inflatable-12-6-x-27-all-star

Thanks so much. Exactly the information I was looking for. Am curious to know your new way to fold or roll the board so it fits in a regular bag. Is this something you can describe? Thanks again for the information.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Green Water Sports

  • Site Sponsor
  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 695
  • https://greenwatersports.com
    • View Profile
    • Green Water Sports - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #7 on: December 13, 2021, 11:49:48 AM »
Thanks so much. Exactly the information I was looking for. Am curious to know your new way to fold or roll the board so it fits in a regular bag. Is this something you can describe? Thanks again for the information.

I folded one rail inwards, not folding the whole board in half, but folding one rail over into the center of the board to bring the standing tray foam wedges closer to each other. Then I rolled/folded the board as normal but it came out more narrow as the center section was folded in on one side.

It fit in a normal inflatable SUP bag like this.
Julian
https://greenwatersports.com
Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
Red Paddle Co, Starboard, SIC Maui, Tahe, Naish, Fanatic, Accent Paddles, Onyx, FCS, Vamo

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #8 on: December 13, 2021, 08:09:46 PM »
Thanks so much. Exactly the information I was looking for. Am curious to know your new way to fold or roll the board so it fits in a regular bag. Is this something you can describe? Thanks again for the information.

I folded one rail inwards, not folding the whole board in half, but folding one rail over into the center of the board to bring the standing tray foam wedges closer to each other. Then I rolled/folded the board as normal but it came out more narrow as the center section was folded in on one side.

It fit in a normal inflatable SUP bag like this.

Thank you. I’ll give it a try when I get the board. Thanks again.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #9 on: January 22, 2022, 11:35:31 PM »
Thought I'd post a quick update. I did in fact purchase the Starboard Airline (12' 6" x 27"). My first time out on it was yesterday, and then I went out again this morning. To be completely honest, I found the initial set up a bit of a pain. This was getting the string to the correct length, getting the string stuffed in the fin box, etc., etc. But as far as I can see, this initial set up only has to be done one time, and then it is good to go for future paddles.

So what was the paddling experience like? Pretty sure this is the nicest inflatable I've paddled. Really, really like paddling this board. It's pretty fast for an inflatable, and I also found it stable and responsive. Also tracks really well. And if you step back to do a buoy turn, the nose pops right out of the water, which in my experience isn't always the case with inflatables. This is a fun board to paddle and I know I'm going to enjoy it. This board is a keeper.

Funny thing is, my wife took it out for a paddle this afternoon, and now she also wants one.

If you  are looking for an inflatable, this one is definitely worth a look.
« Last Edit: January 22, 2022, 11:37:15 PM by Quickbeam »
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

GingerRawrrgers

  • Rincon Status
  • ***
  • Posts: 112
    • View Profile
    • Email
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #10 on: February 05, 2022, 01:44:37 PM »
Thought I'd post a quick update. I did in fact purchase the Starboard Airline (12' 6" x 27"). My first time out on it was yesterday, and then I went out again this morning. To be completely honest, I found the initial set up a bit of a pain. This was getting the string to the correct length, getting the string stuffed in the fin box, etc., etc. But as far as I can see, this initial set up only has to be done one time, and then it is good to go for future paddles.

So what was the paddling experience like? Pretty sure this is the nicest inflatable I've paddled. Really, really like paddling this board. It's pretty fast for an inflatable, and I also found it stable and responsive. Also tracks really well. And if you step back to do a buoy turn, the nose pops right out of the water, which in my experience isn't always the case with inflatables. This is a fun board to paddle and I know I'm going to enjoy it. This board is a keeper.

Funny thing is, my wife took it out for a paddle this afternoon, and now she also wants one.

If you  are looking for an inflatable, this one is definitely worth a look.

    Thanks for the update! How was it in the choppy conditions? That's been my biggest question since I mostly paddle a few ocean spots that get messy. I had a 12"6' x 30 Naish One that had decent nose rocker that was great in those conditions but it finally bit the dust after 8 years of use.  I've been eyeballing either the 12'6" Airline or this one from Infinity that's an inch wider but since it's new with no option for demo I haven't been able to get much info about it to compare https://infinitysurf.com/collections/sup-air/products/blackfish-air 
~*Ginger*~

Quickbeam

  • Teahupoo Status
  • ******
  • Posts: 1128
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2022, 09:04:54 AM »
Thought I'd post a quick update. I did in fact purchase the Starboard Airline (12' 6" x 27"). My first time out on it was yesterday, and then I went out again this morning. To be completely honest, I found the initial set up a bit of a pain. This was getting the string to the correct length, getting the string stuffed in the fin box, etc., etc. But as far as I can see, this initial set up only has to be done one time, and then it is good to go for future paddles.

So what was the paddling experience like? Pretty sure this is the nicest inflatable I've paddled. Really, really like paddling this board. It's pretty fast for an inflatable, and I also found it stable and responsive. Also tracks really well. And if you step back to do a buoy turn, the nose pops right out of the water, which in my experience isn't always the case with inflatables. This is a fun board to paddle and I know I'm going to enjoy it. This board is a keeper.

Funny thing is, my wife took it out for a paddle this afternoon, and now she also wants one.

If you  are looking for an inflatable, this one is definitely worth a look.

    Thanks for the update! How was it in the choppy conditions? That's been my biggest question since I mostly paddle a few ocean spots that get messy. I had a 12"6' x 30 Naish One that had decent nose rocker that was great in those conditions but it finally bit the dust after 8 years of use.  I've been eyeballing either the 12'6" Airline or this one from Infinity that's an inch wider but since it's new with no option for demo I haven't been able to get much info about it to compare https://infinitysurf.com/collections/sup-air/products/blackfish-air

Unfortunately I can't comment on the board in choppy conditions. Most of my paddling in rougher water is in the summertime on our local Lake, so I won't know that for a few months. Sorry I couldn't be more help and good luck with your search!

Oh, and if you do get either the Airline or the one from Infinity, maybe post your impressions. It's always nice to hear what others think of boards they've purchased.
Infinity Blackfish 12’ 6” x 23”
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 24”
Infinity Whiplash 12' 6" x 24 1/2"
ONE SUP Evo 12’ 6” x 26”
Bark Competitor 12’ 6” x 29”
Red Paddle Explorer (Inflatable) 13' 2" x 30
Starboard Airline (Inflatable) 12’ 6” x 27

Green Water Sports

  • Site Sponsor
  • Peahi Status
  • *****
  • Posts: 695
  • https://greenwatersports.com
    • View Profile
    • Green Water Sports - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #12 on: February 07, 2022, 06:22:19 AM »
GingerRawrrgers, A couple of other options you may want to consider are:

SIC Maui RS Air Glide 12'6" x 29" https://greenwatersports.com/shop/sic-12-6-x-29-rs-air-glide?ref=17 In stock
Red Paddle Co 12'6" x 28" Elite https://greenwatersports.com/shop/red-paddle-co-12-6-elite?ref=17 Arriving later this month

Julian
https://greenwatersports.com
Green Water Sports LLC - Inflatable SUP boards & stand up paddle boards & more. Call us on 1-888-252-4983
Red Paddle Co, Starboard, SIC Maui, Tahe, Naish, Fanatic, Accent Paddles, Onyx, FCS, Vamo

soleandpaddle

  • Waikiki Status
  • *
  • Posts: 12
    • View Profile
Re: Starboard Airline Inflatable???
« Reply #13 on: May 02, 2022, 08:44:06 AM »
I tried a first generation 14*27 and found it good tracking and ok stability and the bouncing was better than a standard inflatable. I was on flat but it does not have a lot of rocker so I am not sure how it is in waves.

I purchased a Naish Maliko light 14*27 inflatable and it is lighter, faster to pump completely as I do not have to fit the cord and nose cone, packs smaller than the airline as the airline cannot be rolled as the standing area is too stiff and was half the cost brand new. On the Naish the bouncing is controlled very well by the carbon stringers and if you pump to max 20 lbs it is very stiff. The design is also better for chop and waves as it has a little nose rocker, rounded area on bottom of nose and a wider nose as well.

I have done paddles in 2 foot waves with a 30lb pack on the Naish board with no issues and done a 2-3 foot wave upwinder and downwinder unloaded with no issues as well.

Keep in mind my primary board is a 20 inch wide Starbaord Sprint so I may find a board more stable that others find tippy.

I read your review of the Maliko Light 14x27 and that convinced me to pick up one as well (from GreenWaterSports). I was looking for an inflatable for an event I have coming up in June. I needed something that was simple (no accessories needed like RED Elite and Starboard) yet lightweight and durable. This board checked those boxes, and a fair bit cheaper, as well. My stock board is an SIC RS 21.5, so similar to your 20 Sprint. I haven't gotten it out in waves but I can see how the front and nose will help out with this. It's not as snappy as I'd like on flat water, but also that's not a super fair criticism. I can see having a lot of fun in rougher conditions on it or when I just want something wide and forgiving. I demoed an older model of the RED Elite 14x25.5. That thing is responsive and responds well when sprinting but it just has too much going on with the rods and side attachments. I can get the Maliko up in the mid-5 cruising range but for me, it takes more effort than I prefer. I'm coming from trying to manage a pace for a really long time.

I'm really curious about the Infinity Blackfish Air, the 14x26. It's brand new so I can't find much information about it. If anyone does, I'd like to hear it. It's supposed to be about 16.5lb. My event is really really long and includes a lot of portaging so the Maliko being at about 24 lb makes about that a 7lb difference. That's a massive amount of weight savings over time. My concern would be durability with that weight. I may pull the trigger and pick up one, but not sure yet.
« Last Edit: May 02, 2022, 08:51:36 AM by soleandpaddle »

 


SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal